Description
A rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, and a creamy sauce made from eggs and cheese. This version skips the pork and cream, staying true to an enriched Italian method for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti or linguine
- Salt for boiling water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 250 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional for garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional for garnish: Extra grated cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining oil or butter if needed. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine chicken and garlic: Return chicken to the skillet, stir with garlic. Add red pepper flakes if using. Turn off heat and let pan cool slightly.
- Add pasta: Add warm pasta to the skillet and toss with chicken and garlic.
- Mix in egg-cheese mixture: Remove skillet from heat. Slowly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing constantly until coated and a creamy sauce forms. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to thin the sauce.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Always remove the pan from heat before adding the egg-cheese mixture to prevent scrambling.
- Use room-temperature eggs for easier combining.
- Reserve pasta water; its starch helps create a smooth sauce.
- Whisk eggs and cheese thoroughly for a lump-free mixture.
- Grate your own cheese for best melting results.
- Cook chicken until done but avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Have the egg mixture and chicken ready just before the pasta finishes cooking for optimal timing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
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